Nigerian Youth Urged to Lead in Wildlife Conservation Efforts
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called on Nigerian youths to take a proactive role in safeguarding the nation’s wildlife. The agency emphasizes that conservation is vital for environmental sustainability, economic stability, and national security.
This announcement was made during a World Wildlife Day 2026 event held at the United Nations House in Abuja on Wednesday.
Established at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3, serving as a platform to celebrate and raise awareness about wild flora and fauna. This date also marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
Themed Celebration Highlights Medicinal Plants
This year’s celebration centers around the theme “Medicinal and aromatic plants: protecting health, heritage, and livelihoods.” To honor this occasion, UNODC gathered young members of the #BeWildForNature Youth Network, along with stakeholders from relevant ministries and development partners, to discuss strategies for effectively protecting endangered species through robust policy implementation and law enforcement.
Youth as Key Players in Conservation
In his address, Sheikh Toure, the UNODC Resident Representative in Nigeria, underscored the increasing significance of youth-led initiatives in tackling wildlife crime and environmental degradation. He stated that wildlife conservation extends beyond environmental responsibility; it encompasses human health, cultural preservation, economic stability, and safety.
Toure commended the #BeWildForNature Youth Network for empowering young people to take the lead in conservation efforts. Launched as a digital campaign in 2024, the initiative encourages Nigerian youths to harness digital innovation to drive awareness against wildlife crime. After a competitive selection process, ten finalists were chosen nationwide, with top performers receiving awards, including an Achievement Award for Women Participants, in recognition of Women’s Month.
As members of the network, the finalists are recognized as UNODC Young Wildlife Influencers and participated in a mentorship program led by experts in conservation, advocacy, and digital engagement from August to October 2024. Reports indicate that these participants have since initiated community-based projects and outreach efforts, significantly enhancing awareness and action on wildlife conservation throughout Nigeria.
Challenges Facing Medicinal Flora
With a focus on this year’s theme, the UNODC highlighted the crucial role of medicinal and aromatic plants in Nigeria and Africa’s traditional medicine systems and local economies. The agency warned of escalating threats to these resources due to overharvesting, habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trade activities.
UNODC stated that these plants are not merely sources of healing but also vital symbols of identity and economic resilience for many communities. The agency classified wildlife crime as a form of transnational organized crime that undermines the rule of law and encourages illicit financial transactions. It stressed that the illegal trade in wildlife not only depletes ecosystems but also threatens sustainable development, thereby underscoring the need for robust institutions and effective law enforcement.
Legislative Progress in Biodiversity Conservation
The agency pointed to the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill as a significant advancement in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity. Nigeria is identified as a major transit hub for trafficked wildlife. An investigation by Premium Times recently uncovered weak prosecution mechanisms for offenders and highlighted ongoing human-elephant conflicts in various regions. Frequent seizures of pangolins and ivory further exacerbate the plight of Nigeria’s dwindling elephant population.
However, UNODC reiterated that mere legislation cannot suffice without active implementation, public education, and collaborative efforts across various sectors. During the event, participants engaged in a fireside chat with Taseer Ugbor, vice-chairman of the House Environment Committee and the bill’s sponsor. Ugbor discussed strategies to reinforce conservation policies and engage youth more effectively. He expressed hope that the bill, currently awaiting presidential assent, will successfully address deficiencies in Nigeria’s conservation framework, noting the urgent need to improve wildlife habitats given Nigeria’s limited forest cover.
Integrating Conservation with Sustainable Development Goals
Wafa Abdellatef, a UNICEF representative, highlighted that biodiversity conservation is directly linked to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as health, climate action, and the preservation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. He emphasized that environmental protection must be viewed as a complementary priority to development, advocating for the leading role of young Nigerians in initiatives like #BeWildForNature. Abdellatef noted that young people inject creativity, energy, and innovative perspectives into conservation endeavors, making their leadership crucial for cultivating locally-based, future-oriented solutions.
A Call to Action for Youth Engagement
Reiterating their message, UNODC emphasized that young people should not only be seen as recipients of conservation policies but as pivotal agents of change. The agency affirmed that through innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, Nigerian youth are actively translating policy into meaningful action. Furthermore, UNODC pledges to support Nigeria by strengthening law enforcement and judicial capacities, enhancing interagency cooperation, and empowering communities to safeguard biodiversity. The protection of medicinal plants is vital for preserving health systems, cultural heritage, and future economic livelihoods, prompting a call for sustained collaboration and decisive actions moving forward.
